Rooney rejects Mancini claim

09 January 2012 11:45

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has dismissed Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini's claim that he influenced the sending off of Vincent Kompany on Sunday.

Mancini felt Rooney pressured referee Chris Foy into showing a red card after Kompany was penalised for a two-footed challenge on Nani with just 12 minutes of an explosive FA Cup tie gone.

Rooney on Monday used Twitter to express his thoughts on the matter, and wrote: "Funny how people think i got kompany sent off. Im not ref. i didn't give red card. But it was a clear red card. 2 footed tackle."

Mancini himself was criticised for waving an imaginary card after an incident in his side's defeat of Liverpool last week and the Italian felt Rooney's actions were of a similar nature.

"It was not a red card," Mancini said. "Rooney told him his decision. When I did this against Liverpool, people told me not to do it. I said I was sorry and made a mistake."

With their influential captain now facing a four-match suspension, City are intending to appeal against Kompany's sending off.

The club have until this afternoon to lodge their appeal with the Football Association and if they do a hearing will take place on Tuesday.

If it proves unsuccessful, City will have to make do without Kompany for both legs of their Carling Cup semi-final with Liverpool and Premier League games against Wigan and Tottenham.

However, Mancini is confident Kompany will be available for the forthcoming fixtures, starting with the visit of Liverpool on Wednesday, and said: "We will appeal. I am sure we will win."

Without Kompany, City were beaten 3-2 by United, despite a stirring fightback from 3-0 down, and saw their FA Cup defence end at the third-round stage.